How is Kronwall better than Enstrom and Edler?? He's averaged 37 points the last 3 seasons, and he'd need to be as good as Chara defensively to make up the offensive difference.

Kronwall also doesn't play on the #1 PP unit. His numbers should actually go up offensively with that change. He also has taken on the bulk of the really tough assignments for the last two seasons and has been the number 1 PK guy on Detroit along with Stuart. Lidstrom leaving really mostly just allows him more offensive opportunities. The loss be felt by the Wings as a whole to be sure, but Kronwall will likely see a big bump in reputation.

Kronwall also doesn't play on the #1 PP unit. His numbers should actually go up offensively with that change. He also has taken on the bulk of the really tough assignments for the last two seasons and has been the number 1 PK guy on Detroit along with Stuart. Lidstrom leaving really mostly just allows him more offensive opportunities. The loss be felt by the Wings as a whole to be sure, but Kronwall will likely see a big bump in reputation.

Lidstrom definitely got the toughest matchups, not Kronwall.

Despite this, Kronwall really was exposed last season, giving many more goals then the rest of Detroit's defense.

That said, yes I could see him increasing his points totals on the PP.

Despite this, Kronwall really was exposed last season, giving many more goals then the rest of Detroit's defense.

That said, yes I could see him increasing his points totals on the PP.

Kronwall got more than you think over the last couple years. A big part of the dip in his numbers last year is Brad Stuart decided not to show up. He has never been awesome in his own zone but I can't really say that about the guys he goes up against here either. Edler is one of the most protected offensive zone start guys in the league as far as d-man.

Kronwall is SO overrated. He ain't that good and will be exposed with Lidstrom's absence.

Can't believe all of you have Edler and frikin Hedman ahead of Enstrom as well. This is Enstrom, and AINEC imo.

Kronwall barely played with Lidstrom the past few years, so I don't see how Lidstrom's absence will affect his game whatsoever, other than give hime more ice time and more opportunity. (he scored 15 goals last season...)

If he didn't play with Listrom, how will he be "exposed" in his absence?

Who would be partnered with Karlsson on the first pairing? I still think Kronwall is the best bet.

Toss up between him and OEL. I think they would be best putting OEL and Karlsson as top pairing (OEL is super consistent and would allow Karlsson tons of freedom, Karlsson can help bring out OEL's improving offensive game), putting Edler and Kronwall out as a 1b pairing that can also do it all, and then have Hedman and Enstrom as the traditional shutdown pairing (that is still quite adept offensively)

Toss up between him and OEL. I think they would be best putting OEL and Karlsson as top pairing (OEL is super consistent and would allow Karlsson tons of freedom, Karlsson can help bring out OEL's improving offensive game), putting Edler and Kronwall out as a 1b pairing that can also do it all, and then have Hedman and Enstrom as the traditional shutdown pairing (that is still quite adept offensively)

Depends three of those four guys are left handed. Not sure if OEL can play RD, I know Kronwall isn't great when put over there, so chances are he stay on the left which will impact which pairing he can go with. Edler is also a guy that plays on the left, even when we talk about bringing Edler to Detroit next off-season hopefully we don't put them on the same pairing.

Depends three of those four guys are left handed. Not sure if OEL can play RD, I know Kronwall isn't great when put over there, so chances are he stay on the left which will impact which pairing he can go with. Edler is also a guy that plays on the left, even when we talk about bringing Edler to Detroit next off-season hopefully we don't put them on the same pairing.

I envisioned Edler sliding over, I feel like he is the most versatile of the 3 and would be able to adapt best. No idea why I feel that way, but that's the way she goes

I dont care if you think Kronwall is overrated, he's usually very good on the National Team (was pretty underwhelming in the most recent WC tournament though). Anyways, I have a difficult time ranking our defensemen, but Karlsson/Kronwall/Edler/Enstrom/Ekman-Larsson should all be given. And the way Hedman tends to play for Team Sweden, I think I'd rather have Hjalmarsson, although that could obviously change before 2014.